A March 17 EIN Presswire report says homicides in Panama are rising, driven by gangs, drug‑related rip‑offs and hired killings, with violence concentrated in Panama, Colón and Panama Oeste.
Fruitnet reports that Chiquita has begun a phased resumption of operations in Panama. The company’s gradual restart could affect local employment and fruit supply chains while details remain limited.
A Mega radio station survey summarized by EIN Presswire reports 69.5% of Panamanians view the opening of a mine as positive; the excerpt also cites a related 55% figure but lacks full poll details.
A unit of CK Hutchison says Panama failed to answer a lawsuit filed after the government seized ports, raising new procedural questions in a high-profile dispute over port operations.
An arbitration deadline tied to Panama Ports Company (PPC), part of CK Hutchison, has expired, raising uncertainty about the next steps in a dispute with the Panamanian government and potential effects on port operations.
AASTOCKS reports that CKH subsidiary PPC says it “reserves all rights & recourse” after Panama’s government moved to slow arbitration and disrupt contracts, signaling an escalating commercial dispute.
Sonan Energy Panama has appointed David Ortiz as its new Trading Manager, a development reported by Manifold Times that may affect the firm’s commercial trading activities in Panama.
A CK Hutchison subsidiary has publicly accused Panama of missing an arbitration deadline, the South China Morning Post reports, raising questions about the dispute’s timetable and implications for investor relations.
The National Assembly ratified Lilibeth Cárdenas Chanis as director of Senniaf with 44 votes in favor, 0 against and 21 abstentions, formalizing her leadership of Panama’s agency for children and families.
The Asociación Bancaria de Panamá has asked for a veto of Proyecto de Ley 388, which would force removal of unpaid debt information from credit records after three years, including cases of debtor evasion.
Sopa, a popular Panamanian soup, can be made with meat or chicken and a variety of ingredients that increase its nutritional value, highlighting its versatility in local diets.
Panama is hosting the second Panama’s Arbitration & ADR Week through March 19, an international forum featuring experts, jurists and specialists discussing arbitration and dispute-resolution practices.
Panama’s Cuerpo de Bomberos attended more than 100 vehicle fires in early 2026, attributing many cases to repairs that did not meet safety standards and urging owners to use qualified technicians.
Panama has increased surveillance at airports and ports after measles cases were reported in Costa Rica and Colombia. Authorities say vaccines are available and screenings have been strengthened.
Telemetro reports roughly 96,000 young Panamanians are unemployed — an estimated youth unemployment rate of 17.8%–19.9% — with many turning to occasional or informal work.
Experts warn that elevated temperatures in Panama can cause dehydration and heatstroke in pets. They advise avoiding walks during peak sun and keeping animals in cool indoor spaces.
Media reports warn of a new SMS phishing scam in Panama using the names of ATTT, ENA and Sertracen to solicit fraudulent payments via links in text messages. Recipients are urged not to click links and to verify claims through official channels.
CK Hutchison’s Panama unit says the government failed to answer an arbitration claim by the March 13 deadline after a court ruled contracts for two Panama Canal–area ports unconstitutional and the state took control.
David in Chiriquí will host Panama’s largest cabalgata on March 19, with more than 10,000 people expected. The event highlights local equestrian traditions and will require coordinated logistics.
Mitradel has detected 14 cases of child labor so far this year. Minister Jackeline Muñoz outlined the ministry’s response procedures and said authorities are addressing each case.
